Seven confirmed instances in Nova Scotia

There have been no cases of E.coli-related illness in Cumberland County. There are seven confirmed cases across Nova Scotia.

AMHERST – To date there have been no reported cases of E.coli in Cumberland County.

“There are no cases in that district. There are three cases in the Capital region, one in Pictou and Truro and two in the Antigonish area,” Dr. Robert Strang, the province’s chief public health office said Friday.

Strang said the source of the contamination is unknown, but his office is working with other departments and agencies to determine the source.

“Since the initial cases were reported, it has been more than a week since we’ve seen a new case,” he said. “At this point we have some theories that we’re working on, but nothing definitive at this point.”

Reported cases in Nova Scotia have ranged from five to 17 annually since 2008.

To prevent and reduce the spread of E.coli 0157, Strang said people should wash and peel all raw vegetales and fruits before eating, properly cook all meat and check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer, wash hands, cutting boards and other surfaces that come in contact with raw meet and ensure dairy products are pasteurized.

Symptoms of E.coli 0157 may resemble gastro-intestinal illness and can include abdominal cramps, vomiting and bloody diarrhea. Symptoms and their severity vary.

He said anyone experiencing symptoms should call 811 to speak to a nurse or contact a health care professional.

New Brunswick has reported five cases of E.coli. Strang said Nova Scotia is working with public health in New Brunswick and the Public Health Agency of Canada to determine if there are any links or common sources of contamination.

Recent comments

Considering all the turkey being cooked, esp. with dressing, it is a wonder a lot more people don,t get sick. I have watched people set food on a table and it is still there an hour or more after the meal is finished. same with pies with eggs and milk in them. When I have told them about food poisoning, they laughed at me. I took all the food handling courses in n.s.when I worked at Sunset ARC in Pugwash.